The Envelopes, Please...

The Hairstylist
Average holiday tip: $60.
Average total received in a holiday season: $1,725.
Percentage of clients who tip: 84.
Most generous bonus reported: A gift card for a series of nonsurgical cosmetic procedures, valued at $1,200 a visit.
The dish: “I got a regift of a wine and cheese basket, with the original recipient’s name still on it.” ... “People give me the keys to their second homes in Spain, Palm Beach.” ... “They know I don’t drink but still bring me wine.” ... “I was working at a spa and a client gave me a gift certificate—to a spa.” ... “Sometimes you get more from clients than from your own family.”

The Dog Walker
Average holiday tip: $90.
Average total received in a holiday season: $875.
Percentage of clients who tip: 78.
Most generous bonus reported: A $1,000 black leather couch.
The dish: “I got a photo of the clients and their dog. Not even framed, just a printout.” ... “She gave me lots of money; her husband never knew.” ... “I got pajamas, but had to ask for an exchange receipt because they weren’t my size.” ... “I tell my coworkers to be nice to their clients. They’ll get some really great gifts come Christmastime!”

The Condo Concierge
Average holiday tip: $80.
Average total received in a holiday season: $2,500.
Percentage of clients who tip: 58.
Most generous bonus reported: $800.
The dish: “The ones who use the service least are typically the ones who leave the biggest tip.” ... “When I receive gift cards, I rewrap and give them to someone else.” ... “Some don’t want to share the wealth.” ... “Older retired doctors, used to having a full-service lifestyle, are usually accustomed to tipping.” ... “The least likely tipper is the one who feels his condo fees are too high.” ... “The Americans tip.”

The Personal Trainer
Average holiday tip: $100.
Average total received in a holiday season: $1,500.
Percentage of clients who tip: 69.
Most generous bonus reported: A $5,000 tip from a Saudi Arabian princess.
The dish: “A trainer is like a best friend, so more often, they give us gifts.” ... “A ton of people send us food. We think it’s some sort of sick joke.” ... “I once received a Gucci wallet, but my favorite is the scented candle one client gives me each year. I think of her every time I light it.” ... “The more professional people tip in cash.” ... “Cash is king.” ... “I spend some on my family, give some to charity, and then go to Saks.”

The Nanny
Average holiday tip: $675.
Average total received in a holiday season (includes
tips from babysitting sidelines): $750.
Percentage of clients who tip: 86.
Most generous bonus reported: Half a year’s salary.
The dish: “A holiday tip should be one week’s pay, or close to it.” ... “Last year I got in a car accident and my boss paid for the repairs.” ... “Stay-at-home moms generally don’t tip.” ... “Once I received a nice outfit and pajamas. Unusual, but very thoughtful.” ... “My last client tipped me the first year but claimed she was a little broke the next.”

The Mail Carrier
Average holiday tip: $30.
Average total received in a holiday season: $300.
Percentage of clients who tip: 30.
Most generous bonus reported: $50.
The dish: “Don’t listen to Oprah. She says not to tip your mailman, but I say do it.” ... “People take us for granted; they assume their letters just magically appear.” ... “Sometimes I get a bottle of wine or $20. But technically we’re not supposed to accept tips worth more than $3.” ... “I like getting cards. In the age of e-mail and text message, it’s nice that some people still take the time.”

—Additional reporting by Julia Kaganskiy and Rajat D. Singh